Bride wearing heart-shaped glasses playfully pretends to drink from a glittery champagne bottle prop while laughing with a guest in front of a sparkly silver backdrop.

Portland, Oregon has so many talented wedding vendors. We wanted a chance to work with a group of our friends last summer, so we put together a styled shoot in Battleground, Washington. This shoot was a chance for us to hang out and get creative with no pressure.

What is a styled shoot? According to Honeybook: “A Styled Shoot is simply a collaborative effort of multiple creatives who put their talents and resources together to create a stunning visual concept to be photographed.” Wedding pros do this often to create new wedding trend inspiration, but Styled Shoots can reach far beyond the scope of weddings.

We love doing styled shoots as it's a great way to work with other vendors. Everyone can get to know one another, and potentially refer their fellow vendors to clients, having had first hand experience working with them. We recommend vendors plan to take the entire day off and spend it at the shoot getting to know the other vendors. As photographers, we appreciate styled shoots because it gives a chance to hang out with fellow vendors, try new lighting situations and keep our skills sharp for our wonderful clients.

Rustic outdoor bar named “The Lost Cause,” built with wood and corrugated metal, adorned with string lights, surrounded by lush greenery and handcrafted wooden tables.

Bride and groom smiling as they look at photo booth prints at their wedding, with a rustic outdoor setting, silver backdrop, and fun props on the table.

Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with a rustic wooden table, teal chairs, vibrant floral centerpiece, and string lights, set against a barn with flowing white drapes.

Fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, corn, feta cheese, and balsamic drizzle, served on a glass plate over a blue napkin and gold charger at a wedding reception table setting.

Elegant wedding table setting with a fresh arugula salad, gold charger, blue napkin, vintage silverware, and a floral thank-you card on a rustic wooden table with wine glasses.

Plated roasted chicken garnished with fresh rosemary at an elegant wedding reception table, with a thank-you card, salad, and wine glasses in the background.

Close-up of golden, roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with fresh rosemary, served in a white dish with roasted potatoes.

Elegant wedding table setting featuring a plated salmon dish with blackberry glaze, surrounded by hanging floral arrangements, blue glassware, and rustic decor.

Elegant wedding reception table with plated roasted chicken, fresh salads, wine glasses, and blue napkins on a rustic wooden table with teal chairs and floral decor.

Close-up of a plated side dish featuring green beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, and mustard seeds, served in a white dish at an elegant wedding reception.

Outdoor wedding reception table with a vibrant floral centerpiece, elegant place settings, and rustic wooden decor, set in a lush green forest with string lights overhead.

Outdoor wedding reception table with a lush floral centerpiece, elegant place settings, and gourmet food, set in a forested venue with natural greenery and string lights.

Lush wedding table centerpiece with deep red roses, eucalyptus, and cascading flowers, set on an elegantly decorated outdoor reception table with gourmet food and gold-accented place settings.

Elegant dessert platter featuring assorted pastries, chocolate-covered treats, fruit tarts with blackberries, and a creamy dip, served on a rustic wooden table at a wedding reception.

Elegant dessert platter featuring raspberry tarts, chocolate-drizzled mini cheesecakes with pecans, chocolate-covered cream puffs, and decorative cookies on a rustic wooden table.

Bride in a white lace wedding dress holding a lush bouquet with eucalyptus, deep red and purple flowers, and wild greenery, set against a vibrant outdoor backdrop.

10 tips for a successful styled shoot

Set realistic expectations.
Get creative.
Push yourself and try something new.
Make sure everyone is on the same page.
Have a back up plan for everything.
Use “models” that are real couples.
Showcase all vendors .
Pad your timeline at least 2-3 times. Things always take longer than you think.
Make sure your photographer and videographer match the style you want for your portfolio.
Have Fun!

Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup featuring a modern geometric arch adorned with lush floral arrangements, set in a serene forest with rustic wooden benches.

Close-up of a lush wedding floral arrangement featuring deep red roses, vibrant purple hydrangeas, red berries, and eucalyptus leaves, set against a forest backdrop.

Modern geometric wedding arch adorned with deep red roses, purple hydrangeas, and eucalyptus, set in a lush forest ceremony space with rustic wooden benches.

Bride and groom share a romantic kiss under a modern geometric wedding arch adorned with flowers in a lush forest ceremony setting with rustic wooden benches.

Newlywed couple celebrating under a modern geometric wedding arch adorned with flowers in a lush forest setting, holding hands joyfully after their ceremony.

Elegant wedding reception table with a lush floral centerpiece, fine dining settings, and a blurred background of a newlywed couple embracing in a scenic forest.

Styled shoots are a team effort and it’s important to make sure you have a strong team. Just like with a wedding, you should research each vendor involved before you agree to do the shoot. Make sure your style fits with the shoot and the vibe of all the vendors. We recommend using a real life couple who has limited to no modeling experience so you can get more experience posing real couples.